Inmate accused of threats to kill at Laois prison intends to use an alibi defence 

An inmate who is accused of making threats to kill a man and woman intends to use an alibi in his defence. 

Michael Murray (55) of Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise is accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a man and to a woman at the Midlands Prison on April 11, 2023.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving him with the book of evidence. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the case be sent forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court on two counts of threatening to kill. 

When Judge Susan Fay issued an alibi warning to the defendant, Anne Doyle BL said her client wished to put the State on notice of his alibi. 

Ms Doyle said the accused has “strong views” and “I am instructed to read it out loud in open court”. 

Judge Fay described the defendant’s instruction as “highly unusual” and she asked Ms Doyle to put the alibi in writing. 

“It is my court Ms Doyle. I run this court,” Judge Fay said. She told Ms Doyle to give notice in writing to the State solicitor. 

“We will be meeting with Mr Lynas in due course,” said Ms Doyle. She asked Judge Fay to consider legal aid for a solicitor and two counsel. 

Judge Fay said she would grant legal aid for a solicitor and one counsel and an application could be made for a second counsel in the circuit court. 

Ms Doyle said her client would be making two applications. One related to disclosure of evidence and the second was to transfer the trial to Dublin. 

Judge Fay remanded the defendant in custody with consent to bail and sent the case forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Criminal Circuit Court on February 17, 2026.